Problematic Polypharmacy – Health Secretary Initiative

The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Matt Hancock, has asked the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Keith Ridge, to lead a review of polypharmacy, looking at: addressing ‘problematic polypharmacy’ creating a more efficient handover between primary and secondary care, for example ensuring GPs have the data they need and feel able to challenge and change prescribing made in hospitals improving management of non-reviewed repeat prescriptions – including encouraging patients to ask questions about their treatment to ensure they don’t remain stuck on repeat prescriptions which are no longer needed the role of digital technologies in reducing overprescribing the increased […]

Adalat – Supply Issues

Bayer have announced plans to permanently discontinue nifedipine immediate-release 5mg & 10mg capsules (Adalat) in 2019. There are no other nifedipine immediate-release products licensed in the UK. The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service have published an updated memo with advice on alternatives to immediate-release nifepidine, as well as information about the temporary supply issues with several Bayer modified-release nifedipine products (Adalat Retard and Adalat LA).

Bricanyl Turbohaler – UK Shortage

Bricanyl Turbohaler is the ONLY terbutaline inhaler marketed in the UK. Astra Zeneca UK Ltd have notified the Department of Health and Social Care of a temporary shortage and interruption to supplies. Some stock may be available during December 2018, but the shortage is unlikely to be fully resolved until the end of January 2019. The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service have published a memo with advice on alternatives and management options.

NICE Key Therapeutic Topics 2019 – Consultation Result

NICE have published the results of a consultation on proposals to update the Key Therapeutic Topics collection of resources in 2019 – with a final list of the topics to be included.

Catheter-Associated UTIs – new NICE Antibiotic Use Guideline

NICE have published the latest addition to the growing suite of resources on antibiotic prescribing for common infections: a guide to treating catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The guideline includes recommendations on: treatment advice when an antibiotic prescription is given reassessment referral and seeking specialist advice self-care choice of antibiotic prevention Like other NICE Antibiotic Use Guidelines, the CAUTI guide is supported by a short visual summary of the recommendations with tables to support prescribing decisions.

GF Foods on Prescription – New Regulations

Regulations governing prescription of gluten-free foods in England changed on 1st December 2018. Community pharmacies can now only supply specified bread products and bread/flour mixes (see list here). ALL other gluten-free foods have been added to Part XVIIIA of the Drug Tariff – the ‘Blacklist’. NHS England have published guidance for CCGs with linked FAQs that may help explain the changes to patients. The changes DO NOT affect Low Protein gluten-free foods prescribed for people with inherited disorders of metabolism or organ failure.

Self Care Week 2018

Everybody Dance Now – Moving Medicine

“Moving Medicine is the single most important advance in therapeutics in my 50 years in medicine. The benefit to harm ratio is outstandingly favourable and every drug or psychological prescription for a long-term condition should be partnered by a Moving Medicine prescription of activity.”  Sir Muir Gray Kt CBE DSc MD